Man jumps through window of couple's home while eluding Prichard police, authorities say

Kenya Vassel was charged four times and suffered facial cuts after Prichard police said he jumped through the window of a couple's home whille running from officers today.

PRICHARD, Alabama -- A 35-year-old man running from Prichard police after a traffic stop jumped through the window of a couple’s home before being captured down the street early today, authorities said.

Vassel was treated on the scene for facial and forehead cuts before being booked at Mobile County Metro Jail, Gardner said. He was released shortly before 8:30 a.m. on bail totaling $10,750, according to jail records.

Vassel was originally stopped for a traffic violation about 3 a.m. at St. Stephens Road and Atmore Avenue but sped off as a backup officer arrived, Gardner said.

The car hit a utility pole on Bear Fork Road a short while later, and Vassel ran from the car, which Gardner said was later discovered to have marijuana in it.

Several residents called police reporting a man running through nearby yards, and Vassel jumped through a window at the home of Harry and Abbie Jackson on Owens Street, the chief said.

Harry Jackson got a pistol and tried to hold Vassel at gunpoint, but the suspect jumped on the stove in the kitchen. "He told Mr. Jackson, ‘Please let me go; they’re after me and they’re going to kill me.’"

Vassel eventually ran out a back door and hid at a vacant house down Owens Street before police captured him about 3:30 a.m., Gardner said.

Gardner said the incident did not fit the definition of a home invasion. "He (Vassel) was just looking for somewhere he could hide," Gardner said. He added, however, that Harry Jackson did fire his weapon twice inside the house while Vassel was inside, but did not hit him.

"He was trying to let the man know he meant business," Gardner said.

Neither Harry nor Abbie Jackson was injured.

Online jail records show Vassel has a criminal history dating back to 2001 that includes drug charges, domestic violence and traffic violations.